Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...
Would not have been the same holiday without Thang, our guide. Nothing was too much trouble and he was diplomacy itself. An inspiration who presented his country magnificently.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The history of the American war and how it gave a balanced view rather than the one sided view we got when it was in progress.
The resilience of the Vietnamese people and how nice a race they are
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic, a little gem.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Dont take too many clothes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ref the above comment the availability of laundry services sourced by Thang meant it was easy to keep your dirty washing to a minimum. It would help if this was made clear in the trip notes.
Would recommend Exodus to anybody, the organisation and attention to detail was unsurpassed.
To be honest, I had never previously considered a visit to Indochina, but I was outvoted. Having agreed that Vietnam was to be our next destination to visit, we did lots of research comparing the itineraries of many tour operators before finally deciding on Exodus. The trip that they offered certainly ticked all of the boxes, and appeared to be good value for money. I had only one concern, and that was food, but during this action-packed trip, my fears were unfounded, as the Vietnamese food proved to be wonderful, and I was never disappointed with any of the restaurants that were suggested by our guide - Even when dining independently from our group/guide the food was found to be excellent. Vietnam really has it all - relaxing beaches, bustling cities, beautiful countryside, and the people are just amazing, so welcoming and friendly. If this 16 day trip is typical of Exodus tours, then I'm sure we'll be back for more.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
During our stay in Vietnam, each day brought something new, and we had so many varied and wonderful experiences that it's very hard to chose one thing over another.
Crossing the road in Hanoi, The countryside and beach in Hoi An, or the simplicity of life in the Mekong delta, but if pressed, then I would have to say that the highlight for me was kayaking around Halong Bay. Just paddling around this beautiful bay with its limestone peaks was absolutely stunning.
The visit to the War Remnants Museum was sobering, but seeing the extent of the atrocities inflicted on this nation really made their positive attitude and friendly nature even more endearing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Upon our arrival at Hanoi airport, our guide Thang was there to greet us and was with us from morning to night, always on-hand when needed, and ensured that all of our trips and transport went like clockwork.
It was rare to actually need to ask for advice or assistance, as Thang seemed to sense what we might need at any point of our trip.
He was always polite and professional, but gelled very well with our group without being intrusive. His stories about Vietnamese history, culture and life enabled us to gain a good insight into this country and people.
Every day he 'went the extra mile' to ensure we had a great time, and he looked after us admirably.
Thang is an absolute star!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I'm sure I won't be the last person to mention this, but, with the availability of tee shirts, and contrary to other reports that I've read, underwear etc., along with the ease of arranging laundry, and the provision of towels at all hotels. PACK LIGHTLY. You might need to barter to get the prices down (the Vietnamese love this), but you'll bag yourself a bargain, help the local economy, and save yourself worrying about packing. (My 10.7Kg proved far too much!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Absolutely wonderful trip - I'll recommend this to all of my friends
I had yearned to go to Vietnam for years and the Exodus holiday did not disappoint. It was a whistle stop tour from north to south. The whole trip was very well planned and organised and our tour leader, Thang, was the model of efficiency and tact. From the bustle of Hanoi to the relative calm of Halong Bay, the pretty town of Hue on the Perfume River, Hoi An with its many tailors, Nha Trang, fast developing as a coastal resort, Saigon’s markets and mopeds and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, there were so many diverse aspects that we couldn’t possibly have seen if we had travelled under our own steam. It is the first time that we have travelled with Exodus but I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in seeing as much as possible of the country and people in two weeks.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me the highlights were staying on a junk in Halong Bay, cycling to the beach at Cua Dai, the train ride on the Reunification Express and visiting the Mekong Delta, although all of it was fascinating. The Vietnamese people were very friendly despite their horrific past. Also the food was wonderful and varied from a seafood lunch on board a junk to a DIY barbecue, not forgetting the elephant fish and pineapple spring rolls in the Mekong Delta and a couple of upmarket restaurants in Hoi An and Saigon.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Thang, was very efficient and helpful. Any problems, such as dietary restrictions, were dealt with smoothly. If we needed a taxi he would speak to the driver and ensure they had the correct instructions. He also gave us a lot of insight into the Vietnamese way of life with anecdotes about his own life, family and work. His knowledge of the history and politics of Vietnam was encyclopaedic and I don’t think there was a single question he was unable to answer. As well as this he joined in with the group socially although at times he must have been exhausted. At our request he organised a cooking lesson in Hoi An, which had not been on the original agenda. One of the group was presented with a surprise cake on his birthday, which Thang had also organised with the restaurant. I don’t think he could have done more to have made the trip a success. His knowledge and good humour made him the perfect team leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I also agree that it should be mentioned on the trip notes that there were laundry services available at least twice during the trip. It was also unnecessary to take a towel as these were supplied by the hotels, even towels to take to the pool / beach. Pack light – you may need a thin waterproof for the north depending on which time of year you are going, and lightweight clothing for the south. Do make sure you have plenty of space to take back souvenirs. and haggle for them – this is part of the Vietnamese way of life. You will need plenty of mosquito repellent especially when you travel to the south and the Mekong Delta.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go as soon as possible in order to see a way of life that will disappear fast once tourism takes hold.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved looking at peoples houses, seeing real Vietnamese life.
What did you think of your group leader?
Trong was excellent. Very humourous and knowledgeable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do take a rain jacket if travelling in March. We had rain in every place we went. Our tour guide did buy us all ponchos, twice!
You can get your washing done about half way through, which is really handy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Before I went on the trip, I was very keen to go for a motorbike ride through Ho Chi Minh City. Once I got there, no way! Manic isn't the word! It's scarey enough crossing the road on foot.
I went with my friend who had been to Vietnam three years ago. She could not believe how many more tourists there were now. If you want to see real Vietnamese life, I would go sooner rather than later. There is already a KFC in Ho Chi Minh City.
It's a trip full of variety. You see an awful lot. I would thoroughly recommend it. I would like to go back to Vietnam.
It was our first trip with Exodus and we were a bit worried about what we would find/be expected to do! We need not have worried- the organisation was perfect and our guide made sure everyone felt comfortable with what was happening, adapting some activities for some of the group. So much so we are now planning our next trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
- Halong Bay-WOW!
- Hoi- An -what a lovely town
- Chi-Chi tunnels- so interesting
- Mekong Delta- an amazing experience
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide was Lam who was so attentive to everyone's needs and very knowledgable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It's quite an active holiday- not a problem for us, but a couple of the group found some of the activities too strenuous. Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We wish we had built in some time at the end of the holiday to relax (as more experienced travellers had done) This is what we are now planning for our next trip.
from 65 reviews.
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